Creative Art Projects for Young Children

• Even young children can produce art.painting image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
  
  Art is a language that crosses the boundaries of countries and time. Music, paintings, plays, dance, and photography are just some of the forms that art takes. A work of art can convey a feeling, a thought, an idea, or a philosophy. Sharing the language of creativity with children gives them a productive and positive way of expressing their thoughts.
  
  

Tissue Paper Flowers

• Wetting or painting the tissue paper will give a more realistic look.cistus or rock rose papery flowers open towards the sun. image by eFABE from Fotolia.com
  
  Tissue paper flowers are simple to make and beautiful. You will need a variety of 3-inch squares of tissue paper, glue, glitter, and green pipe cleaners. Layer two to five tissue paper sheets of desired colors, so that they are at different angles. Pinch and twist a small part of the middle of these square. Wrap the pipe cleaner around this middle piece; this is the stem. Crinkle and fold the tissue paper to create layers of petals. If you wish, dip the flower in a watery glue, and sprinkle it with glitter. Making bouquets of tissue paper flowers is a quick, and easy art project for young children. They make a great gift for Mother's Day or Easter.
  
  

Paper People

• There are durable digital cameras designed for young children.under water photography image by Emmanuel Lacoste from Fotolia.com
  
  Prepare for this project by taking pictures of people your child knows. You may also cut photographs out of magazines. Cut T-shirts, pants, hats, shoes, and other clothing shapes out of construction paper. Allow the child to use glue sticks to attach the clothing to the pictures. Add animals, food, stickers, and other items to pictures that weren't there before. If you are very creative you can make an entire collage that tells the story of a family vacation or class trip to the zoo.
  
  

Music and Motion

• Try painting on different surfaces. (Rocks, plexiglass, foam, etc.)water-colours and painting a red heart image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Expose your child to different kinds of music. Work in watercolors or clay (fluid mediums) as you listen to songs. Draw what the song makes you feel or think. Encourage abstract designs and patterns that rely on color and shape to convey a feeling. The public library is a great place to get free access to music.
  
  

Splatter Paint Shirts

• Use complementary colors for a subtle design.splattered smeered and printed image by pdtnc from Fotolia.com
  
  This is a perfect summertime activity. Purchase light-colored T-shirts for you and your children. (Men's undershirts and tank tops also are fine.) Fill spray bottles, condiment bottles, balloons, and plastic cups with paint. Spread the T-shirt on the ground and have fun splattering on a cool design. Use your hand and footprints to add a personal touch. You can splatter paint anything using this technique.
  
  

String Sculptures

• Use a string that will absorb glue.string image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  Make three-dimensional sculptures with just a balloon, string and glue. Pour the glue into a bowl and coat the string liberally. Inflate the balloon and tie a knot in the end. Wrap the string around the balloon, making sure that all of the string is covered in glue. When you have your string in the desired pattern, rest the balloon in a bowl to dry. When the glue has dried completely, pop the balloon and remove any remaining pieces of latex. You will be left with a stiff sculpture made entirely of string. You can hang this as decoration or use it as part of a table centerpiece.
  
  

Refrigerator Magnets

• Be creative; use bright colors and bold patterns.Decorative magnets of Prague image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
  
  Every kid knows the highest honor an artist can receive is to have their work displayed on the refrigerator. Using store bought magnets you can turn any project into a keepsake. A collage, paper person, clay sculpture, or small drawing should be preserved with laminating plastic or a spray-on sealer. Hot glue will provide a strong bond between the magnet and the artwork.